Barrel blowout injures a man at Ind. Gun Club

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is investigating an incident where a man was injured while shooting a shotgun Friday. Bradley Mendenhall, 51, of Indianapolis was target shooting when police believe an obstruction in the top barrel caused a blowout, according to the press release.

Investigators said Mendenhall and his son were shooting at the Indiana Gun Club on 113th St. in Hamilton County. Mendenhall was shooting a 12 gauge shotgun and his son was using a 20 gauge shotgun. While it has not been determined what the cause of the incident was, police said there is an enhanced risk of barrel blowout when carrying two different shotguns with two different types of ammunition and shells.

Authorities said when carrying 20 gauge ammunition while firing a 12 gauge shotgun, a 20 gauge shell can slide far enough down the barrel for a 12 gauge shell to be loaded behind it.

The shotgun Mendenhall was using will be examined at a laboratory to determine the official cause of the barrel blowout.

Indiana Conservation Officers want to remind all sporting arms users to always check your barrel for obstructions before loading, and to never carry any ammunition that is not designed to be fired from the firearm you are using.

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